Completing the I-69 Finish Line with Autodesk Construction Cloud

Andrew Pangallo, P.E., PMP, serves as the Construction Digital Delivery Lead Engineer for the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT). With an extensive background in engineering and project management, Pangallo has played a pivotal role in one of Indiana's most ambitious infrastructure projects: the I-69 Finish Line. This project aims to connect the two existing segments of Interstate 69 in Indiana, enabling a continuous route from Indianapolis to Evansville. Upon completion, this 26-mile stretch will not only save drivers approximately 11 minutes in travel time but also enhance the overall efficiency and safety of the roadway.

Project Overview and Challenges

The I-69 Finish Line project is a massive endeavor, both in scale and complexity. With a budget of $2 billion, the initiative involves more than just laying new pavement. INDOT has constructed and replaced over 70 bridges, eliminated 14 traffic signals, and built 14 over- and underpasses to ensure seamless connectivity for all access points along I-69. These extensive infrastructure changes were necessary to accommodate the anticipated increase in traffic volume and to improve safety and traffic flow.

Managing a project of this size presents numerous challenges. Coordinating multiple teams and subcontractors requires meticulous planning and robust communication channels. "One of the biggest challenges we faced was ensuring that all teams were aligned and working towards the same goals," Pangallo noted. The logistical complexities of synchronizing efforts across various teams, subcontractors and stakeholders required a comprehensive and unified approach to project management.

To address these challenges, Pangallo and his team at INDOT partnered with Topcon Solutions Store as they transitioned from using Autodesk BIM 360 to Autodesk Construction Cloud and the Build platform. The collaboration with Topcon included licensing and comprehensive training packages, which were critical in enabling the team to use the new system effectively. Pangallo appreciated the timely and localized support from Topcon.

Autodesk Construction Cloud offers a suite of tools designed to streamline project management, enhance data management, and facilitate collaboration among stakeholders. The platform's capabilities include tracking progress in real-time, managing documentation, and enabling seamless communication across all project participants. "The training provided by Topcon Solutions Store was crucial in helping us leverage the full potential of Autodesk Construction Cloud," Pangallo explained.

The customized training sessions ensured that every team member, from project managers to on-site personnel, was proficient in using the platform. This cohesive training approach was essential in achieving uniformity in project execution and data management.

"We managed over 400 issues effectively with the new system,” he added. “Issues that would have been lost in email threads before."

Future Implications and Change Management

Pangallo understands the importance of embracing technology in modern construction projects. "With Topcon’s training and support, we were able to get 200-plus people on the same page, which was crucial for the I-69 project," Pangallo said. "People were resistant at first, but once they saw how much easier it made things, they were on board."

The success of the I-69 Finish Line project shows the transformative impact of digital solutions in construction management. By integrating Autodesk Construction Cloud into their workflow, INDOT was able to maintain stringent oversight of the project's progress, ensuring that milestones were met, and quality standards upheld. "Topcon's support was invaluable in navigating this transition," Pangallo stated. The partnership not only facilitated the adoption of new technology but also fostered a more collaborative and adaptive work environment.

The I-69 Finish Line project shows how leveraging advanced technology and effective training can overcome the inherent challenges of large-scale infrastructure projects. Andrew Pangallo and his team at INDOT, with the support of Topcon Solutions Store, successfully harnessed the capabilities of Autodesk Construction Cloud to bring this ambitious project to completion. As Pangallo reflects on the project, he acknowledges that the journey was as much about managing change as it was about engineering. "It's about building a culture that embraces innovation and continuous improvement," he concluded. "I’m excited about expanding these tools to all INDOT projects, not just the big ones."

The completion of the I-69 corridor in Indiana marks a significant milestone in the state's transportation infrastructure, promising enhanced connectivity, safety, and efficiency for years to come. Through strategic partnerships and a commitment to technological advancement, INDOT has set a new benchmark for future infrastructure projects.